January 2018 Posted in Community, School | Comments Off on Hands-on learning: Grants benefit North Santiam and Cascade schools

By Mary Owen
North Santiam and Cascade school districts joined 203 middle and high schools in the state in securing a slice of $10.3 million in grant funds to expand career readiness programs.
The Career & Technical Education Revitalization Grant funds serves ...

Former Cascade High athlete Jordan Farr finished a record-shattering Corban University career as the Warriors’ undisputed master of the space between the pipes.
[caption id="attachment_3267" align="alignright" width="168"] Corban University star Jordan Farr, the former Cascade athlete, owns the goalkeeping record books ...

December 2017 Posted in Community, School | Comments Off on Mouse tale: Family classic on stage

[caption id="attachment_3231" align="alignleft" width="300"] Seth Isaksen stars as Stuart Little.[/caption]
By Mary Owen
“And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...”
However, a mouse is stirring in the play, Stuart Little the Musical put on this month ...

December 2017 Posted in School, Sports & Recreation | Comments Off on Fall standouts: Stayton Eagles second in state in cross country, soccer

It was a banner fall for Stayton High. The boys cross country and boys soccer squads finished second at state, with the girls runner turning in a sixth-place finish.
Cross country: The Eagles’ boys runners, who finished fifth a year ago ...

October 2017 Posted in Community, School | Comments Off on Adding in person to online: ORCA events expand experiences

By Mary Owen
Oregon Connections Academy students study online but socialize offline.
“There are many events, field trips and clubs that ORCA hosts throughout the year to provide in-person socialization opportunities for students,” said Brenda Ballinger, a third-grade teacher from Silverton. “Some ...

Santiam High headed into the Tri-River football schedule with a 4-0 record. The Wolverines have steadily improved in their first three years under coach Dustin McGee, who led the squad to a 4-5 mark in 2015 and a 7-4 record ...

By James Day
The Stayton Highlights dance team finished second to Valley Catholic of Beaverton at the past two state championships.
This year’s squad was determined not to let that happen again.
“This team is driven beyond words,” longtime coach Robin Meier told ...

April 2017 Posted in Community, School | Comments Off on Educational priorities: School board candidates share their thoughts

Editor’s note: Election preview of additional races will be included in the May 1 edition of Our Town.
By Mary Owen
Candidates have filed for the school board seats that will be decided with the May 17 ballot. While many seats on ...

Randy Nyquist wanted to come home, and Stayton had a place for him. Sometimes life is that simple.
Nyquist, who won 119 games and three Class 5A state championships in 15 years at West Albany and fielded three Class 6A playoff ...

February 2017 Posted in Community, School | Comments Off on Educating for the future: North Santiam School District honored

By Mary Owen
For continuing to be a cornerstone of the community, the North Santiam School District receives the 2016 Large Business excellence award from the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce. The award is presented to a business with more than 15 ...